The essential Seychelles

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

 

Day 1 - Mahe

 

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

 

You will proceed first to the Botanical Garden for a visit to a colony of Aldabra giant land tortoises and fruit bats. You will also have a chance to view the world famous "Coco de Mer" (double coconut) palm and wander the grounds full of endemic and imported flowers.

 

You will then drive up the spectacular Sans Soucis Road to Mission Lodge View Point. You will be amazed by the lush vegetation which covers Mahe's mountainous interior. A photo stop will be made at Mission Lodge to get an overview of the coast of Mahe and Victoria the "world's smallest capital". While travelling, you will learn about the history of the Seychelles Islands, once a haven for pirates and corsairs. Mahé is named after Mahé de La Bourdonnais, a French governor of Mauritius.

 

You will then be transferred in a local restaurant for your lunch.

 

Then explore the charming city of Victoria passing by the scaled-down replica of the clock tower on London's Vauxhall Bridge. The replica was brought to Victoria in 1903 when the Seychelles became a crown colony. Your local guide will introduce you to the Aladdin's

Cave of the bustling traditional market with its colourful ambiance.

 

In the late afternoon, you will check-in to the Laila Resort 5* hotel.

 

You will enjoy a time at leisure to refresh before your dinner.

 

Dinner in the restaurant of your hotel.

 

Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 2 - Mahe

 

After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.

Optional package (additional supplement): Late check out until 4:00pm

 

For guests booking a late flight schedule, we suggest an optional package with extra fees in order to have a late check out at the Laila Resort 5* hotel until 4:00pm.

 

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

 

Your hotel:

 

Located in Anse Royale, Mahe, the luxury Laila Resort hotel is like a village entwined in the flora and fauna in the surroundings. Its 84 individually designed rooms guarantee serenity and comfort, united under the same stars that watch over every element of the island.

 

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

 

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in Deluxe room at Laila Resort 5* hotel (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

·        Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.

Your programme does not include:

·        Lunch on day 2.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Early check-in and late check-out.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.

·        Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.

·        Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.

·        The Seychelles rupee (SCR) is the official currency of the Seychelles.

·        The Seychellois speak both English and French.

·        Shops & market closed on public holiday and Sundays.

·        We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as well a rain protection in case of bad weather (tropical climate).

·        Baggage allowance: 1 piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 20 kg for the regular flight. We have included 3 extra kg, so you are allowed to check-in 1 piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 23 kg. Hand baggage: 1 piece with a maximum weight of 10 kg for which we have included 2 extra kg, so you are allowed to take a hand baggage of a maximum weight of 12 kg, and the sum of three dimensions shall not exceed 115 cm (45in) (55 x 40 x 25 cm) or (22 x 16 x 10 inches).

Contact of your hotel:

 

Laila Resort

Anse Royale, Seychelles

Telephone: (248) 439 7800

 

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

In the event of schedule changes of PONANT's selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 – Mahe

Meet at Mahe Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred to the hotel Laila Resort 5*.

Check in your room from 3pm.

Afternoon and dinner at leisure to relax and enjoy your hotel's facilities.

Overnight at the hotel Laila Resort 5*.

Day 2 - Mahe

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel.

You will depart the airport by coach along the Mahe’s southeast coast road and after a 20-minute drive, you will reach the Spice Garden “le Jardin du Roi”. Nestled on a peaceful hilly area overlooking the ocean, this old spice garden houses approximately a hundred types of endemic plants, spices and a small museum dedicated to the history of spices in Seychelles since the 18th century. Enjoy a welcome drink before departing for a pleasant walk between vanilla plants, sugar canne, variety of spices, fruit trees, and tropical flowers.

Then take a break for sit down and delight a tasting session of the garden’s fruits.
 
Lunch will be served in “Le Jardin du Roi”.

If time permitting, you will enjoy time a scenic drive at Victoria, the Mahe’s capital.

You will then be transferred to the pier of Victoria to embark on board your ship.

Your hotel:

Located in Anse Royale, Mahe, the luxury Laila Resort hotel is like a village entwined in the flora and fauna that surrounds it. Its 84 individually designed rooms guarantee serenity and comfort, united under the same stars that watch over every element of the island.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in standard room at Laila Resort 5* hotel, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

·        Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your arrival.

Your programme does not include:

·        Lunch and dinner on day 1.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Early check-in and late check-out.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m. 

·        Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.

·        Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.

·        The Seychelles rupee (SCR) is the official currency of the Seychelles.

·        The Seychellois speak both English and French.

·        This programme is specially developed for weekends as shops & market closed on public holiday and Sundays.

·        We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as well a rain protection in case of bad weather (tropical climate).

·        The Spice Garden visit involves being able to walk without assistance at least 30 minutes on uneven surface with some steps. This visit is not suitable for people with mobility difficulties.

·        Baggage allowance: 1 piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 20 kg for the regular flight. We have included 3 extra kg, so you are allowed to check-in 1 piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 23 kg. Hand baggage: 1 piece with a maximum weight of 10 kg for which we have included 2 extra kg, so you are allowed to take a hand baggage of a maximum weight of 12 kg, and the sum of three dimensions shall not exceed 115 cm (45in) (55 x 40 x 25 cm) or (22 x 16 x 10 inches).

Contact of your hotel:

Laila Resort
Anse Royale, Seychelles
Telephone: (248) 439 7800

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

In the event of schedule changes of PONANT's selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.

 

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 – Mahe

Meet at Mahe Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred to the hotel Canopy by Hilton Seychelles 4*.

Optional package (additional supplement): Early check in from 11:00am

For guests booking an early flight schedule, we suggest an optional package with extra fees in order to have an early check in at the Canopy by Hilton Seychelles 4* hotel.

Check in your room.

Afternoon and dinner at leisure to relax and enjoy your hotel's facilities.

Overnight at the hotel Canopy by Hilton Seychelles 4*.

Day 2 - Mahe

After breakfast, you will plan the day at your own pace.

Revive yourself in a luxury and exotic atmosphere. Take advantage of your free time to discover your exotic retreat offering a variety of facilities and activities. Or try one of the additional options.

Option 1: Creole experience with a local artist and lunch at Victoria - limited to 6 participants

Lunch will be at your own if you if you have not opted for this optional activity.

Departure from the hotel in the early morning to reach George Camille, one of the most respected artists of the Seychelles nation. Your day will begin with a visit to his workshop, located on the outskirts of Victoria (about 30-minute drive). During this exclusive interview, he will welcome you into his colourful world by revealing his artistic journey through his vision, his style, and the innovative processes behind all his creations. You will also enjoy the privilege of sharing a small artistic demonstration and its learning. You will then be taken to Kaz Zanana Gallery & Café, the public gallery of the artist, located in Victoria within an old wooden house with typical Creole architecture and restored.

Then, lunch will be served in a Creole restaurant. At the end, you can take a walk through the centre of Victoria before heading back to your hotel in the early afternoon.

Please wear a light and casual outfit, sunglasses, hat or cap, sunscreen, camera, cash for your personal expenses. Not recommended for young children.

Option 2: Private Copolia Trail - limited to 10 participants

Departure from the hotel in the early morning to reach the Copolia trail, accompanied by your private guide. You will undertake an intimate hiking adventure through the lush nature of the island. First, you will go through a secondary forest of sand, cinnamon and rubber trees. As the trail ascends, you will observe numerous interesting endemic and indigenous plant species along with a diversed fauna of endemic birds such as the Seychelles Bulbul, the Blue Pigeon, and Sunbirds. The effort of your ascent will be rewarded with a magnificent view from the summit, providing a panorama of the east coast of Mahe, the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, and in the distance, the islands of Praslin and La Digue.

Lunch at leisure.

Hiking on the Copolia trail is of moderate difficulty. It is not recommended people with reduced mobility or walking difficulties. Please wear comfortable hiking shoes, water, a light and casual outfit, sunglasses, hat or cap, sunscreen and camera.

For your afternoon, indulge in a unique experience as an additional option.

Optional activity : Afternoon at Cap Lazare private estate with sunset cocktail - limited to 10 participants.

Departure from the hotel in the middle of the afternoon to reach the private estate of Cap Lazare.

You will enjoy a presentation of the history of Cap Lazare as well as a guided electric cart tour of the main sites: the nature trails with endemic plants, the splendid panoramic viewpoints, and the colony of giant tortoises. As the sunset approaches, you will settle on the granite rocks to live a moment of contemplation in front of the magic of the Indian Ocean, while sipping a glass of champagne or a homemade cocktail accompanied by snacking. Then, you will leave the domain of Cap Lazare to return to your hotel.

Provide light and casual clothing, comfortable flat shoes, hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash for your personal expenses. Not recommended for young children and people with reduced mobility.

Dinner in the restaurant of your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 – Mahe

After breakfast, you will embark on a day rich in encounters and shared experiences at the Val de Près estate.

The Val de Près Estate is a national monument and a heritage site located in the southern part of Mahe Island. You will be warmly welcomed in the Creole manner with a welcome cocktail accompanied by traditional snacks consisting of "Coco Zerm", coconut, and dried fruits.

Accompanied by your guide, you will visit the plantation house "Gran Kaz" at the heart of the estate. Built in the 1870s, it bears witness to the history of the former owners through old photos, furniture, and other historical artifacts.

Then, you will discover everything you need to know about Seychellois culture and traditions. Its Creole cuisine and all the flavorful Seychellois culinary secrets. Its traditional musical instruments and dances, handmade crafts crafted with local products, and much more.

This experience requires a minimum of 10 participants. Please wear light and casual attire, sunglasses, a hat or cap, sunscreen, bring a camera, and have means of payment for your personal expenses.

Dinner in the restaurant of your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 – Mahe

After breakfast, you will plan the day at your own pace.

Revive yourself in a luxury and exotic atmosphere. Take advantage of your free time to discover your exotic retreat offering a variety of facilities and activities.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

You will then be transferred to the pier of Victoria to embark on board your ship.

Your hotel:

The Canopy by Hilton Seychelles hotel offers a local experience with the charm of a boutique hotel, where delightful details will lead you to relax and rejuvenate.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

·        3-nights accommodation in Pool View room at Canopy by Hilton Seychelles 4* hotel (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

·        Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your arrival.

Your programme does not include:

·        Lunch and dinner on day 1, lunch on day 2 (apart from the optional activity: Creole experience).

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Early check-in and late check-out.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m. 

·        Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.

·        Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.

·        The Seychelles rupee (SCR) is the official currency of the Seychelles.

·        The Seychellois speak both English and French.

·        Shops & market closed on public holiday and Sundays.

·        We recommend you wear comfortable shoes, light and casual clothes, sunglasses, hat or cap, sunscreen, camera, cash for your personal expenses.

·        Baggage allowance: 1 piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 20 kg for the regular flight. We have included 3 extra kg, so you are allowed to check-in 1 piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 23 kg. Hand baggage: 1 piece with a maximum weight of 10 kg for which we have included 2 extra kg, so you are allowed to take a hand baggage of a maximum weight of 12 kg, and the sum of three dimensions shall not exceed 115 cm (45in) (55 x 40 x 25 cm) or (22 x 16 x 10 inches).

Contact of your hotel:

Canopy by Hilton Seychelles
Anse la Mouche
Mahe, Seychelles
Telephone : (438) 438 0000

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT's selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.